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Rustenburg - A policeman was hacked with a panga at Samancor Mine in Kroondal near Rustenburg on Tuesday, North West police said.

Captain Tselane Nkala said this happened while police were dispersing a group of striking mineworkers at around 09:00.

"The officer fell down while pushing the mineworkers. He was hit with a panga on the left hand and was taken to hospital."

She said the panga was aimed at the policeman's face, but he blocked it with his left hand.

Nkala said at least 26 people were arrested during the morning.

"The number of arrests is not yet confirmed. The figure we have is 26, but this could change as more people are being arrested."

The Rustenburg Joint Strike Co-ordinating Committee said workers had assembled peacefully outside the Milsell shaft, expecting to be addressed by management and the strike committee, when police in Nyala vehicles charged at them.

"Workers were assaulted, beaten and 26 of them were arrested and taken to Rustenburg police station," said strike committee leader Nkosinathi Mpopo.

"Workers have consistently been refused a permit to gather by the Rustenburg municipality's public safety department and the police."

Workers at Samancor were on strike demanding a monthly salary of R12 500.

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